The spelling of the plant name "Lysimachia Nummularia" may seem daunting, but it follows the conventions of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "Lysimachia," is pronounced /laɪsɪˈmeɪkiə/ with the stress on the second syllable. The second word, "Nummularia," is pronounced /njuːˈmjʊləriə/ with the stress on the third syllable. This low-growing perennial, also known as creeping jenny, is a commonly used groundcover in gardens and landscaping. Once you master the pronunciation, it's easy to appreciate the beauty of this plant's golden foliage and bright yellow flowers.
Lysimachia nummularia is a perennial herbaceous plant species belonging to the Primulaceae family. Commonly known as creeping Jenny or moneywort, it is native to Europe, but has been introduced and naturalized in various parts of North America.
Creeping Jenny typically grows in dense, low-lying mats or creeping stems that root at the nodes, spreading horizontally to form a lush groundcover. The plant has rounded, slightly succulent leaves that are typically bright green, resembling small coins in shape and texture. The leaves are opposite, meaning they grow in pairs along the stems, and are arranged in a spiral pattern.
As an ornamental plant, Lysimachia nummularia is often cultivated for its attractive foliage and ability to provide effective ground cover. It is commonly used in rock gardens, hanging baskets, or as a trailing plant in containers. The plant is also appreciated for its showy bright yellow flowers that appear in clusters during the summer months. These flowers are small, trumpet-shaped, and have five distinct lobes.
While Lysimachia nummularia is primarily prized for its ornamental qualities, it also offers ecological benefits by stabilizing soil and reducing erosion due to its spreading growth habit and extensive root system. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant, requiring moist but well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun exposure for optimal growth.
The word "Lysimachia" is derived from the Greek word "lysimachos", which is a combination of "lysis" meaning "release" and "makhē" meaning "battle". It is named after Lysimachus, a Macedonian general who was one of the successors of Alexander the Great.
The word "Nummularia" is derived from the Latin word "nummus" meaning "coin" and the suffix "-aria" denoting "pertaining to". It refers to the round, coin-shaped leaves of the plant.